10 Great Air Force Movies You Need To Watch

War movies always tell important stories and Air Force films in particular explore one of the world’s most difficult and dangerous jobs.

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While cinematic history is full of movies about the military and war, films about the Air Force in particular are essential because of the important stories they tell about one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. The Air Force is one of six branches of the United States military including the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the Space Force. Through history, the Air Force has played a key role in many conflicts such as World War I and World War II.

When it comes to depicting the Air Force on screen, there are many avenues to take. Typically, films about the Air Force focus on certain battles or wars, and more often than not, their stories are based on true events. More than that, Air Force movies often emphasize the importance of planes and aviation within combat and the intense fear and danger that comes with flying in war. However, not all Air Force movies are solemn or scary. Many Air Force films also focus on the thrill of flying, the pilots' passion for aviation, and the excitement of completing difficult feats in the air.

10
Pearl Harbor

The 2001 movie Pearl Harbor tells the story of best friends Rafe McCrawley and Danny Walker, who become fighter pilots in 1941 during World War II. In the film, Rafe joins up with the Eagle Squadron, a British outfit for American pilots while Danny remains on-base at Pearl Harbor. Separated by war, the men fall in love with the same woman and must reconcile their feelings in the face of a life-or-death scenario. Pearl Harbor not only offers glimpses into the Air Force during the early days of America's involvement in World War II, but it also has strong themes of love and friendship.



9
Flyboys

For an earlier depiction of the Air Force, 2006's Flyboys explores the experiences of American pilots joining up with the French Air Service during World War I. In particular, the film follows pilots Blaine Rawlings, Reed Cassidy, and Eugene Skinner and their heroic actions against the German forces attempting to attack the French. Like any good war movie, Flyboys includes acts of bravery, examples of friendship and understanding among men, and romance during wartime. The film also gives a peek into a conflict that isn't often explored on-screen: World War I.


8
Memphis Belle

Based on a true story, Memphis Belle portrays the 25th and final mission of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber named the Memphis Belle. The 1990 film shows how the men aboard the Memphis Belle faced many problems on their last mission as they suffered losses in their formation and took constant damage from German planes. While it is ultimately a happy story, Memphis Belle definitely emphasizes the high stress and intensity of the Air Force, along with the importance of teamwork. Plus, the movie highlights an important moment in history and succeeds at honoring the real men who fought in the Air Force at that time.


7
Bat*21

In 1988, the movie Bat*21 was released and told the story of USAF Lieutenant colonel Iceal E. "Gene" Hambleton, call sign BAT-21 Bravo, when he becomes the sole survivor of a plane crash during the Vietnam War. In need of rescue, Hambleton contacts Captain Bartholomew "Birddog" Clark through the radio, and the two men must work together to save Hambleton. Once again, this film is about more than just the Air Force. It has heavy themes of friendship and humanity at a time when the stakes are incredibly high and dangerous. In this way, Bat*21 is a touching and inspirational Air Force and aviation movie.


6
The Tuskegee Airmen

Yet another true story adapted to the screen is 1995's The Tuskegee Airmen. Following the first African American combat pilots in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, the movie explores how these men not only succeed at the arduous task of becoming Air Force pilots, but also how they overcome constant prejudice in the process. Without a doubt, The Tuskegee Airmen is an incredible and inspiring story, but it is also heavy in its themes of racism and war. It is certainly not an easy movie, but it is an important one that anyone interested in history or war should watch.




5
Good Kill

The 2014 war film Good Kill depicts the psychological struggles of war, and in particular, the Air Force. The main character, Thoms Egan, is an officer with the U.S. Air Force who is well-respected for his job as a drone operator during the War on Terror. However, Egan begins to decline mentally as he is forced to carry out more and more kills in Afghanistan while being stationed hundreds of miles away in Las Vegas. Good Kill is a unique Air Force movie because it focuses on the negative effects of war rather than the heroic aspects of the job. This makes it an especially significant and moving film.


4

The Right Stuff
Though The Right Stuff has a main focus on space and the beginnings of NASA's space program, this 1983 film also has its foundations in the Air Force and aviation. The Right Stuff takes place over the course of nearly twenty years as test pilots pulled from the United States military join Project Mercury, the first human spaceflight. Although the movie technically bombed upon release, in 2013 it was chosen for preservation by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Along with depicting an interesting part of American history, The Right Stuff is also a fun, classic 80s movie.


3

Tora Tora Tora
An unexpected but unforgettable Air Force film is 1970's Tora! Tora! Tora! The film is a depiction of the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941 but from the perspective of the Japanese pilots. What makes this movie stand out is the empathy it provides on an event that is often thought of with bitterness, and how it represents a healing relationship between Japan and the United States. This collaborative film is informational, emotional, and truly one of the best war films, having earned five Oscar nominations in the year of its release.


2

Air Force
The most lauded Air Force films are those that are also the oldest. 1943's Air Force follows the crew of the B-17 bomber, the Mary-Ann, as they witness the Pearl Harbor bombing from above but can do nothing to help. The plane is then sent to defend the Philippines and faces constant threats. This film offers a very early depiction of the Air Force. It is also unique because of the year it came out, only two years after Pearl Harbor and two years before World War II ends. In this way, Air Force doesn't necessarily offer hindsight on the event, but certainly emphasizes the intense emotions of the time.


1

Twelve Oclock High
A film of Air Force hardship and inspriation is 1949's Twelve O'Clock High. Starring movie icon Gregory Peck, the film follows an Air Force unit struggling with low morale until a new no-nonsense general takes over. Because of its age, Twelve O'Clock High has strong themes of patriotism with less reflection on the war, however, this makes for a motivational and heartwarming story. Overall, the film emphasizes teamwork, brotherhood, and fighting for what you believe in with a strong Air Force background.